Iran Marks Seventh Year of War

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Soldiers marched in Iran's capital past throngs chanting "Death to the U.S." in ceremonies today marking the start of the seventh year of war with Iraq, Iran's state-run news agency reported.

The Islamic Republic News Agency quoted President Ali Khamenei as telling the crowd: "At present, the Iranian forces are more prepared and vigilant than ever. The Iraqi army . . . has low morale and is doomed to failure." Khamenei heads the Supreme Defense Council. The agency said the crowd in the central Azadi square was "multitudinous" but provided no figures.